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{{Short description|Long-distance footpath, West Yorkshire, England}}
⚫ {{Infobox Hiking trail
{{Use British English|date=June 2024}}
⚫ |Name=Leeds Country Way
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
⚫ |Photo=Leedscountryway.jpg
⚫ {{Infobox hiking trail
⚫ |Caption=LCW waymarker near Wike, by Steve Partridge
⚫ |name=Leeds Country Way
⚫ |Location=], ]. ]
⚫ |photo=Leedscountryway.jpg
|Length=62 miles (99 km)
⚫ |caption=LCW waymarker near ]
⚫ |Start/End Points= Circular walk, accessible by bus or train at many points
⚫ |location=], ], ]
⚫ |Use=Hiking, Running
|length_mi=62
|ElevChange=
⚫ |trailheads= Circular walk, accessible by bus or train at many points
|HighPoint=
⚫ |use=Hiking, Running
|LowPoint=
|elev_change=
⚫ |Difficulty=Easy: some short hills and can be muddy in places
|highest=
⚫ |Season=All year
|Months= |lowest=
⚫ |difficulty=Easy: some short hills and can be muddy in places
|Sights=
⚫ |season=All year
⚫ |Hazards=Crosses some busy roads
|months=
⚫ }}
|sights=

⚫ |hazards=Crosses some busy roads}}
⚫ The '''Leeds Country Way''' is a circular ] of 62 ]s (99 ]) around ], ], ]. It is nowhere further than 7 miles (11 km) from ], but is mainly rural with extensive views in the outlying areas of the ]. It follows ] and minor lanes, with a few short sections along roads.
{{Leeds Country Way}}
⚫ The '''Leeds Country Way''' (LCW) is a circular ] of 62 miles (99 km) around ], ], ]. It is never more than 7 miles (11 km) from the city centre of Leeds, but is mainly rural with extensive views in the outlying areas of the ]. It follows public ] including footpaths, bridleways and minor lanes, with a few short sections along roads.


==History== ==History==


A route was first devised by Fred Andrews of the ], and then developed by ''West Yorkshire County Council'' in the early 1990s. This council was abolished in 1986, and the path is now under the care of the Countryside section of ]. The Leeds Country Way was realigned in 2006, using a route devised by Bob Brewster, to bring it entirely within the boundary of the ] (previously it crossed the boundary into ]), and the path was relaunched on ] ] with a revised set of map leaflets and improved waymarking.<ref name="leaflets"> A route was first devised by Fred Andrews of the ], and then developed by ''West Yorkshire County Council'' in the early 1980s.<ref name="YP">{{cite news |editor-last1=Charlton |editor-first1=Peter |title=Obituaries - Fred Andrews |work=The Yorkshire Post |date=14 January 2012 |page=12|issn=0963-1496}}</ref> This council was abolished in 1986, and the path is now under the care of the Countryside section of ]. The Leeds Country Way was realigned in 2006, using a route devised by Bob Brewster, to bring it entirely within the boundary of the ] (previously it crossed the boundary into ]), and the path was officially relaunched on 26 September 2006 with a revised set of map leaflets (see external links) and improved waymarking.<ref name="leaflets">
{{cite book {{cite book
| last = Leeds City Council | last = Leeds City Council
| title = Leeds Country Way (4 leaflets in folder) | title = Leeds Country Way (4 leaflets in folder)
| publisher = Leeds City Council: Learning and Leisure, Parks and Countryside | publisher = Leeds City Council: Learning and Leisure, Parks and Countryside
| date = 2006 | year = 2006
}} }}
</ref><ref name="BBC"> </ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite web
{{cite web
| title = BBC Leeds report of path relaunch 2006 | title = BBC Leeds report of path relaunch 2006
| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/articles/2006/09/26/leeds_country_way_feature.shtml | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/articles/2006/09/26/leeds_country_way_feature.shtml
| access-date = 20 September 2007
| accessdate = 2007-09-20
| archive-date = 1 October 2008
}}
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081001054827/http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/articles/2006/09/26/leeds_country_way_feature.shtml
⚫ (With link to audio file)
| url-status = live
</ref>
⚫ }}
⚫ (With link to audio file)</ref>

The path extends to {{convert|62|mi}} in an orbital route around Leeds (it is suggested that it is undertaken in a clockwise direction from Golden Acre Park), and the path is never more than {{convert|7|mi}} from the city centre of Leeds.<ref name="YP"/>


==Route== ==Route==


The path is waymarked in both directions and can be started at any point, but is described here ] from the ] at ] ({{gbmapping|SE267417}}), divided into parts and sections which correspond with the official map leaflets.<ref name="leaflets">{{cite book The path is waymarked in both directions and can be started at any point, but is described here ] from the ] at ] ({{gbmapping|SE267417}}), divided into parts and sections which correspond with the official map leaflets.<ref name="leaflets"/>
| last = Leeds City Council
| title = Leeds Country Way (4 leaflets in folder)
| publisher = Leeds City Council: Learning and Leisure, Parks and Countryside
| date = 2006
}}</ref>


===Part 1: Golden Acre to Barwick-in-Elmet === ===Part 1: Golden Acre to Barwick-in-Elmet ===
] ]
'''Section 1:''' The path crosses Golden Acre Park and passes the ]'s Adel Dam Nature Reserve, following the route of the ]. It coincides briefly with the Leeds link to the ] north of ], before crossing the ] and entering the ]. Here there is a glimpse of what looks like a small village, not marked on any map, but which is actually the set for the TV series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harewood.org/est-filming.shtml|title=Location filming|author=Harewood Estate|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> Walkers may also see ]s which have been successfully reintroduced in this area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english-nature.gov.uk/about/teams/NewsDetails.asp?Id=3&NewsId=73|author=Natural England: Humber to Pennines team |title=Red Kite Project|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> '''Section 1:''' The path crosses Golden Acre Park and passes the ]'s Adel Dam Nature Reserve, following the route of the ]. It coincides briefly with the Leeds link to the ] north of ], before crossing the ] and entering the ]. Here there is a glimpse of what looks like a small village, not marked on any map, but which is actually the set for the TV series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harewood-estate.co.uk/default.asp?idno=82|title=Location filming|author=Harewood Estate|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103070159/http://www.harewood-estate.co.uk/default.asp?idno=82|url-status=live}}</ref> Walkers may also see ]s which have been successfully reintroduced in this area.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Kites|url=http://www.harewood.org/grounds/grounds-bird-garden/red-kites|work=Harewood House|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=19 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819081545/http://www.harewood.org/grounds/grounds-bird-garden/red-kites|url-status=live}}</ref>


'''Section 2:''' After crossing the ], the way passes north of ] and reaches the village of ] with its Anglo-Saxon church tower and the Bingley Arms ], which claims to be the oldest in England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshiretouristboard.net/media-room/features/quirky_facts.doc|author=Yorkshire Tourist Board|title=Quirky Facts|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> The way turns south, crossing the ], to ]. '''Section 2:''' After crossing the ], the path passes north of ] and reaches the village of ] with its Anglo-Saxon church tower and the Bingley Arms ], which claims to be the oldest in England.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the Bingley Arms|url=http://www.bingleyarms.co.uk/history.php|work=Bingley Arms|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=9 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809124013/http://bingleyarms.co.uk/history.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The path turns south, crossing the ], to ].<ref name="OS289">{{cite map|title =Leeds |map =289 |year =2015 |scale =1:25,000 |series =Explorer |publisher =Ordnance Survey |isbn =978-0-319-24486-9 }}</ref>


'''Section 3:''' The path continues through ], crossing the ] before entering ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE398376}}) with England's tallest ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.halikeld.f9.co.uk/traditions/barwick/barwick1.htm|title=Barwick Maypole|author=Northern Traditions|accessdate=2007-10-23}}</ref>, a Norman ] and an ] fort. '''Section 3:''' The path continues through ], crossing the ] before entering ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE398376}}) with England's tallest ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.halikeld.f9.co.uk/traditions/barwick/barwick1.htm|title=Barwick Maypole|author=Northern Traditions|access-date=23 October 2007|archive-date=12 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912233852/http://www.halikeld.f9.co.uk/traditions/barwick/barwick1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> a Norman ] and an ] fort.<ref>{{cite PastScape|mnumber=52862|mname=Barwick in Elmet hill fort and motte and bailey castle|access-date=9 August 2011}}</ref>


===Part 2: Barwick-in-Elmet to Carlton === ===Part 2: Barwick-in-Elmet to Carlton ===
] ]
'''Section 1:''' From Barwick the way passes the southern corner of ], then crosses the ] and enters ]. '''Section 1:''' From Barwick the path passes the southern corner of ], then crosses the ] and enters ].<ref name="OS289"/>


'''Section 2:''' It leaves Garforth along the disused Garforth-Kippax railway line (part of the ]), then approaches ] and passes Little Preston Old Hall. It skirts St Aidan's Country Park, and crosses the ] at Swillington Bridge. The path follows the river downstream, past the marina at Fleet Bridge. '''Section 2:''' It leaves Garforth along the disused ] (part of the ] and earlier the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Castleford to Garforth|url=http://www.lostrailwayswestyorkshire.co.uk/Castleford%20Garforth.htm|work=Lost Railways West Yorkshire|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718200847/http://www.lostrailwayswestyorkshire.co.uk/Castleford%20Garforth.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>), then approaches ] and passes Little Preston Old Hall. It skirts St Aidan's Country Park, and crosses the ] at Swillington Bridge. The path follows the river downstream, past the marina at Fleet Bridge.<ref name="OS289"/>


'''Section 3:''' The path continues along the river, here forming the ], to ], and then turns south to ]. It swings eastward, crosses the ] and continues to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE337272}}), heart of the West Yorkshire ]. '''Section 3:''' The path continues along the river, here forming the ], to ], and then turns south to ].<ref>{{cite news |title=South Leeds: Mine landscape restored |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWGLNB&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=2&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22leeds%20Country%20Way%22&docref=news/15811A3D43A234D0 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=infoweb.newsbank.com |date=24 September 2015|url-access=subscription}}</ref> It swings eastward, crosses the ] and continues to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE337272}}), heart of the West Yorkshire ].


===Part 3: Carlton to Cockersdale === ===Part 3: Carlton to Cockersdale ===
] ]
'''Section 1:''' The path from Carlton crosses fields before briefly joining the ] and recrossing the ] south of ]. It turns south across the ], follows the valley of Dolphin Beck, and reaches ] on the ]<!-- note: leaving this redirect, so that if article for road is later created the link will be there -->. '''Section 1:''' From Carlton the path crosses fields before briefly joining the ] and recrossing the ] south of ]. It turns south across the ], follows the valley of Dolphin Beck, and reaches ] on the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Weekend Walk: Ardsley Reservoir & Leeds Country Way |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWGLNB&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=2&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22leeds%20Country%20Way%22&docref=news/15A434BE25A223D8 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=infoweb.newsbank.com |date=9 January 2016|url-access=subscription}}</ref>


'''Section 2:''' From here the path skirts south of ], and reaches ] with its historic church, on the ]<!-- note: leaving this redirect, so that if article for road is later created the link will be there -->. It passes the ruins of Howley Hall (built 1590 for Sir John Savile)<ref> '''Section 2:''' From here the path skirts south of ], and reaches ] with its historic church, on the ]<!-- note: leaving this redirect, so that if article for road is later created the link will be there -->. It passes the ruins of Howley Hall (built 1590 for Sir John Savile)<ref>{{cite web
{{cite web
| url=http://www.howleyhall.co.uk/ | url=http://www.howleyhall.co.uk/
| title=Howley Hall Golf Club | title=Howley Hall Golf Club
| accessdate= 2007-09-19 | access-date=19 September 2007
| archive-date=21 September 2007
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070921111451/http://www.howleyhall.co.uk/
| url-status=live
}} }}
(See "History" page) (See "History" page)</ref> before dropping down to reach Scotchman Lane.
</ref> before dropping down to reach Scotchman Lane.


'''Section 3:''' A track through Birkby Brow Wood, just inside the Leeds-] boundary, leads to the ], which is followed to recross the M62. The path's longest section of road walking follows the A650 through ], then a series of field paths leads to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE233297}}), on the ] near ]. '''Section 3:''' A track through Birkby Brow Wood, just inside the Leeds-] boundary, leads to the ], which is followed to recross the M62. The path's longest section of road walking follows the A650 through ], then a series of field paths leads to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE233297}}), on the ] near ].<ref>{{cite map|title =Bradford & Huddersfield |map =288 |year =2015 |scale =1:25,000 |series =Explorer |publisher =Ordnance Survey |isbn =978-0-319-24485-2 }}</ref>


===Part 4: Cockersdale to Golden Acre === ===Part 4: Cockersdale to Golden Acre ===
] ]
'''Section 1:''' The path follows the valley of Cockersdale, and then goes along ] Beck, below ], skirting the south of ]. At this point Tong Beck forms the Leeds-] boundary. The path crosses the Leeds to Bradford railway and meets the busy ] at ]. '''Section 1:''' The path follows the valley of Cockersdale, and then goes along ] Beck, below ], skirting the south of ]. At this point Tong Beck forms the Leeds-] boundary. The path crosses the Leeds to Bradford railway and meets the busy ] at ].


'''Section 2:''' Passing playing fields and old quarries, the path crosses the Woodhall Hills and follows Fagley Beck to cross the ] and the ] at ], then follows the river past ] before climbing up to meet the ] south of ]. '''Section 2:''' Passing playing fields and old quarries, the path crosses the Woodhall Hills and follows Fagley Beck to cross the ] and the ] at ], then follows the river past ] before climbing up to meet the ] south of ].


'''Section 3:''' From here the path skirts ], follows for a time the southern boundary of ], and goes round the northern edge of ], before crossing Breary Marsh ] '''Section 3:''' From here the path skirts ], follows for a time the southern boundary of ], and goes round the northern edge of ], before crossing Breary Marsh ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve|url=http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Nature_reserves/page.aspx|access-date=22 October 2007|author=Leeds City Council|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209004114/http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Nature_reserves/page.aspx|archive-date=9 February 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> to return to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE267417}}).
<ref>{{cite web|title=Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve|url=http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Nature_reserves/page.aspx|accessdate=2007-10-22|author=Leeds City Council}}</ref> to return to ] ({{gbmappingsmall|SE267417}}).


==Practical aspects== ==Practical aspects==
As the route is circular it can be started at any point, but the description in the official leaflets starts and finishes at ], going clockwise. These divide it into four parts each split into three sections, but walkers can choose to divide it in various ways as there are many bus routes and several railway stations (], ], ] and ]) on or near the path. ] provides information about bus routes serving the path and train services in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title = West Yorkshire Metro | url = http://www.wymetro.com/HowToGetTo/LCW.htm | accessdate = 2007-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=West Yorkshire Metro |title = MetroTrain timetables and routes|url=http://www.wymetro.com/TrainTravel/MetroTrainTimetablesAndRoutes/|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> As the route is circular it can be started at any point, but the description in the official leaflets starts and finishes at ], going clockwise. These divide it into four parts each split into three sections, but walkers can choose to divide it in various ways as there are many bus routes and several railway stations (], ], ] and ]) on or near the path. ] provides information about bus routes serving the path and train services in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title = West Yorkshire Metro |url = http://www.wymetro.com/HowToGetTo/LCW.htm |access-date = 20 September 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130209183510/http://www.wymetro.com/HowToGetTo/LCW.htm |archive-date = 9 February 2013 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=West Yorkshire Metro |title = MetroTrain timetables and routes|url=http://www.wymetro.com/TrainTravel/MetroTrainTimetablesAndRoutes/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071011194248/http://www.wymetro.com/TrainTravel/MetroTrainTimetablesAndRoutes/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 October 2007|access-date=15 October 2007 }}</ref>


The ] maps covering the route are: The ] maps covering the route are:
* Landranger 1:50,000 sheet 105 (''Leeds'': covers almost the whole route) and 105 (''York'': needed for a short distance near Garforth) * Landranger 1:50,000 sheet 104 (''Leeds'': covers almost the whole route) and 105 (''York'': needed for a short distance near Garforth)
* Explorer 1:25,000 sheets 289 (''Leeds'': Golden Acre Park clockwise to Scotchman Lane) and 288 (''Bradford'': Scotchman Lane clockwise to Golden Acre Park). * Explorer 1:25,000 sheets 289 (''Leeds'': Golden Acre Park clockwise to Scotchman Lane) and 288 (''Bradford'': Scotchman Lane clockwise to Golden Acre Park).


The route is waymarked with an owl symbol, taken from the ]. The route is waymarked with an owl symbol, taken from the ].<ref name="LDWA"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Leeds nostalgia: Leeds gets its coat of arms back... in 1985 |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/leeds-nostalgia-leeds-gets-its-coat-of-arms-back-in-1985-586594 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=28 April 2018}}</ref>


The original route of the path is used for an annual ] organised by ''Kippax Harriers''.<ref>{{cite web| title=Kippax Harriers website | url = http://www.kippaxharriers.org.uk/ | accessdate=2007-09-20}}</ref> Teams of twelve, with two runners taking each of six sections, complete the route in about seven hours. The original route of the path is used for an annual ] ] organised by ''Kippax Harriers''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Kippax Harriers website | url=http://www.kippaxharriers.org.uk/ | access-date=20 September 2007 | archive-date=28 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928230137/http://www.kippaxharriers.org.uk/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Teams of twelve, with two runners taking each of six sections, complete the route in about seven hours.<ref>{{cite news |title=Airedale in third after late revival |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWGLNB&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22leeds%20Country%20Way%20relay%22&docref=news/13999498B8AB33C0 |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=infoweb.newsbank.com |date=6 September 2007 |quote=Organised by Kippax Harriers, it is raced by club teams over six legs ranging from 9.7 to 11.8 miles. Athletes run in pairs with timings based on the last of each pair passing the change-over point. After a narrow victory last year over Airedale Athletics, Leeds City AC were tipped to be going for the record in the Open category which they set themselves in 1995 in 6hr 26min 38sec.|url-access=subscription}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist|2}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}}
* information about path, with downloadable map leaflets (half size) and information about obtaining hardcopy leaflets
* information about path
⚫ * with very detailed description of original route
*Leeds City Council PDF files of guides to the route, published 2006 and archived on 30 August 2012:
* with transport links for the path
:*
:*
:*
:*
:Each downloadable map/guide covers approx 15 miles and is split into 3 sections of approx 5 miles each. Each map/guide prints out to two A4 sheets of paper.
⚫ * with very detailed description of original route
* *
{{coord|53.871 |-1.593 |display=title |region:GB_type:landmark}}

{{good article}}


] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 13:05, 31 July 2024

Long-distance footpath, West Yorkshire, England

Leeds Country Way
LCW waymarker near Wike
Length62 mi (100 km)
LocationLeeds, West Yorkshire, England
TrailheadsCircular walk, accessible by bus or train at many points
UseHiking, Running
DifficultyEasy: some short hills and can be muddy in places
SeasonAll year
HazardsCrosses some busy roads
Leeds Country Way
Legend
Harrogate line A660 (Otley Road)
Horsforth Golden Acre Park
Airedale line Eccup
River Aire (A658 road) A61 (Harrogate Road)
Leeds and Liverpool Canal Bardsey
A657 road A58 (Wetherby Road)
A647 road Thorner
Leeds to Bradford line A64
Pudsey Barwick-in-Elmet
A58 road Scholes
Gildersome Selby Line
M621 M1 Motorway
M62 A642 (Aberford Road)
Huddersfield line Garforth
A653 road A63 (Selby Road)
Nook A642 (Aberford Road)
East Ardsley Little Preston
Wakefield line River Aire (Swillington Bridge)
Thorpe-on-the-Hill Aire and Calder Navigation
M62 Mickletown
M1 Pontefract line
Robin Hood A642 (Aberford Road)
Carlton
Source:
Route:
Path shown does not automatically guarantee a right of way.

The Leeds Country Way (LCW) is a circular long-distance footpath of 62 miles (99 km) around Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is never more than 7 miles (11 km) from the city centre of Leeds, but is mainly rural with extensive views in the outlying areas of the Leeds metropolitan district. It follows public Rights of Way including footpaths, bridleways and minor lanes, with a few short sections along roads.

History

A route was first devised by Fred Andrews of the Ramblers Association, and then developed by West Yorkshire County Council in the early 1980s. This council was abolished in 1986, and the path is now under the care of the Countryside section of Leeds City Council. The Leeds Country Way was realigned in 2006, using a route devised by Bob Brewster, to bring it entirely within the boundary of the Leeds metropolitan district (previously it crossed the boundary into Wakefield), and the path was officially relaunched on 26 September 2006 with a revised set of map leaflets (see external links) and improved waymarking.

The path extends to 62 miles (100 km) in an orbital route around Leeds (it is suggested that it is undertaken in a clockwise direction from Golden Acre Park), and the path is never more than 7 miles (11 km) from the city centre of Leeds.

Route

The path is waymarked in both directions and can be started at any point, but is described here clockwise from the A660 road at Golden Acre Park (grid reference SE267417), divided into parts and sections which correspond with the official map leaflets.

Part 1: Golden Acre to Barwick-in-Elmet

Golden Acre Park

Section 1: The path crosses Golden Acre Park and passes the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Adel Dam Nature Reserve, following the route of the Meanwood Valley Trail. It coincides briefly with the Leeds link to the Dales Way north of Eccup Reservoir, before crossing the Ebor Way and entering the Harewood Estate. Here there is a glimpse of what looks like a small village, not marked on any map, but which is actually the set for the TV series Emmerdale. Walkers may also see red kites which have been successfully reintroduced in this area.

Section 2: After crossing the A61, the path passes north of Wike and reaches the village of Bardsey with its Anglo-Saxon church tower and the Bingley Arms public house, which claims to be the oldest in England. The path turns south, crossing the A58, to Scarcroft.

Section 3: The path continues through Thorner, crossing the A64 before entering Barwick-in-Elmet (SE398376) with England's tallest maypole, a Norman motte and an Iron Age fort.

Part 2: Barwick-in-Elmet to Carlton

River Aire at Swillington

Section 1: From Barwick the path passes the southern corner of Scholes, then crosses the M1 motorway and enters Garforth.

Section 2: It leaves Garforth along the disused Garforth-Kippax railway line (part of the North Eastern Railway and earlier the Leeds, Castleford and Pontefract Junction Railway), then approaches Swillington and passes Little Preston Old Hall. It skirts St Aidan's Country Park, and crosses the River Aire at Swillington Bridge. The path follows the river downstream, past the marina at Fleet Bridge.

Section 3: The path continues along the river, here forming the Aire and Calder Navigation, to Mickletown, and then turns south to Methley. It swings eastward, crosses the A642 and continues to Carlton (SE337272), heart of the West Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle.

Part 3: Carlton to Cockersdale

Woodkirk church

Section 1: From Carlton the path crosses fields before briefly joining the A61 and recrossing the M1 south of Robin Hood. It turns south across the M62, follows the valley of Dolphin Beck, and reaches East Ardsley on the A650.

Section 2: From here the path skirts south of West Ardsley, and reaches Woodkirk with its historic church, on the A653. It passes the ruins of Howley Hall (built 1590 for Sir John Savile) before dropping down to reach Scotchman Lane.

Section 3: A track through Birkby Brow Wood, just inside the Leeds-Kirklees boundary, leads to the A643, which is followed to recross the M62. The path's longest section of road walking follows the A650 through Gildersome, then a series of field paths leads to Cockersdale (SE233297), on the A58 near Tong.

Part 4: Cockersdale to Golden Acre

LCW near Horsforth

Section 1: The path follows the valley of Cockersdale, and then goes along Tong Beck, below Fulneck Moravian Settlement, skirting the south of Pudsey. At this point Tong Beck forms the Leeds-Bradford boundary. The path crosses the Leeds to Bradford railway and meets the busy A647 at Thornbury.

Section 2: Passing playing fields and old quarries, the path crosses the Woodhall Hills and follows Fagley Beck to cross the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire at Apperley Bridge, then follows the river past Woodhouse Grove School before climbing up to meet the A65 south of Rawdon.

Section 3: From here the path skirts Horsforth, follows for a time the southern boundary of Leeds Bradford International Airport, and goes round the northern edge of Cookridge, before crossing Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve to return to Golden Acre Park (SE267417).

Practical aspects

As the route is circular it can be started at any point, but the description in the official leaflets starts and finishes at Golden Acre Park, going clockwise. These divide it into four parts each split into three sections, but walkers can choose to divide it in various ways as there are many bus routes and several railway stations (Woodlesford, Garforth, New Pudsey and Horsforth) on or near the path. West Yorkshire Metro provides information about bus routes serving the path and train services in the area.

The Ordnance Survey maps covering the route are:

  • Landranger 1:50,000 sheet 104 (Leeds: covers almost the whole route) and 105 (York: needed for a short distance near Garforth)
  • Explorer 1:25,000 sheets 289 (Leeds: Golden Acre Park clockwise to Scotchman Lane) and 288 (Bradford: Scotchman Lane clockwise to Golden Acre Park).

The route is waymarked with an owl symbol, taken from the Leeds coat of arms.

The original route of the path is used for an annual trail running relay race organised by Kippax Harriers. Teams of twelve, with two runners taking each of six sections, complete the route in about seven hours.

References

  1. ^ "Long Distance Walkers Association". ldwa.org.uk. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  2. ^ Charlton, Peter, ed. (14 January 2012). "Obituaries - Fred Andrews". The Yorkshire Post. p. 12. ISSN 0963-1496.
  3. ^ Leeds City Council (2006). Leeds Country Way (4 leaflets in folder). Leeds City Council: Learning and Leisure, Parks and Countryside.
  4. "BBC Leeds report of path relaunch 2006". Archived from the original on 1 October 2008. Retrieved 20 September 2007. (With link to audio file)
  5. Harewood Estate. "Location filming". Archived from the original on 3 November 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  6. "Red Kites". Harewood House. Archived from the original on 19 August 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  7. "History of the Bingley Arms". Bingley Arms. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  8. ^ "289" (Map). Leeds. 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. 2015. ISBN 978-0-319-24486-9.
  9. Northern Traditions. "Barwick Maypole". Archived from the original on 12 September 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
  10. Historic England. "Barwick in Elmet hill fort and motte and bailey castle (52862)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  11. "Castleford to Garforth". Lost Railways West Yorkshire. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  12. "South Leeds: Mine landscape restored". infoweb.newsbank.com. 24 September 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  13. "Weekend Walk: Ardsley Reservoir & Leeds Country Way". infoweb.newsbank.com. 9 January 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  14. "Howley Hall Golf Club". Archived from the original on 21 September 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2007. (See "History" page)
  15. "288" (Map). Bradford & Huddersfield. 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. 2015. ISBN 978-0-319-24485-2.
  16. Leeds City Council. "Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve". Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  17. "West Yorkshire Metro". Archived from the original on 9 February 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2007.
  18. West Yorkshire Metro. "MetroTrain timetables and routes". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2007.
  19. "Leeds nostalgia: Leeds gets its coat of arms back... in 1985". Yorkshire Evening Post. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  20. "Kippax Harriers website". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 20 September 2007.
  21. "Airedale in third after late revival". infoweb.newsbank.com. 6 September 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2024. Organised by Kippax Harriers, it is raced by club teams over six legs ranging from 9.7 to 11.8 miles. Athletes run in pairs with timings based on the last of each pair passing the change-over point. After a narrow victory last year over Airedale Athletics, Leeds City AC were tipped to be going for the record in the Open category which they set themselves in 1995 in 6hr 26min 38sec.

External links

  • Leeds City Council information about path
  • Leeds City Council PDF files of guides to the route, published 2006 and archived on 30 August 2012:
Each downloadable map/guide covers approx 15 miles and is split into 3 sections of approx 5 miles each. Each map/guide prints out to two A4 sheets of paper.

53°52′16″N 1°35′35″W / 53.871°N 1.593°W / 53.871; -1.593

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